EU Proposes to Extend Over €35 billion in Loans to Ukraine
11:33 Russia Warns West: Don't Overlook Warnings on Long-Range Weapons Delivery to Ukraine
The Russian government has cautioned the West against disregarding warnings against giving Ukraine weapons with extended ranges capable of striking locations inside Russia. As stated by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in a press conference, the nature of the conflict could alter significantly, potentially carrying grave risks for the world as a whole. Zakharova stated, "They're playing with fire." Her statement comes as she ruled out any negotiations with the U.S., declaring that there would be no meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, as "both sides have nothing to discuss." Previously, the departing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had emphasized that there have been numerous red lines drawn by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he has not crossed, stating, "He hasn't crossed them because he knows that NATO is the strongest military alliance in the world."
10:53 EU: Forced Eviction of Ukrainian Men 'Cannot Happen'
The European Commission has made it clear that forcing male Ukrainian citizens of military age to leave EU countries is not an option. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson stated that this is not feasible under the Directive on temporary protection. She stated, "We will help those who wish to return to Ukraine, and we will discuss with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government how this can be done best, but we will not force anyone out of the EU." Previously, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski was reported to have urged Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of military age to return to Ukraine, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said to be in support of the idea.
10:12 General Freuding Sees 'Opportunities' in Russia Sanctions Evasion
The military coordinator of German Ukraine aid, Christian Freuding, has stated regarding Russia's arms production: "We recognize that the situation has become more challenging for the Russians to continue their defense industry with its complex component supplies, but they are still managing to do so. They are managing by taking detours and by relying on the support of partners like China, North Korea, and Iran." While acknowledging that sanctions are having an impact, he noted that there are possibilities to "find opportunities or even legitimate workarounds."
09:03 Von der Leyen Places Emphasis on Further Support to Ukraine's Energy SupplyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged continued support for Ukraine's energy supply during the winter, as she begins her visit to Kyiv. "My visit to Kyiv comes at a time when the heating season is about to begin, and Russia continues to target the country's energy infrastructure," she writes on the X platform, alongside a photo of her arrival at Kyiv's train station. "We will support Ukraine in its courageous efforts. I am here to discuss Europe's support, from winter preparations to defense, EU accession, and progress on G7 loans."
08:20 "Trend Towards Authoritarianism" - EU Considers Revoking Visa-Free Travel for GeorgiansBrussels is considering revoking visa-free travel for Georgians to the European Union due to democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party, according to an unnamed EU spokesperson quoted by Politico. "Everything is on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its trend towards authoritarianism, including "the possible temporary suspension of visa liberalization," the spokesperson told Politico. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party adopted a law on foreign agents that mirrors repressive Russian legislation used against Kremlin regime critics.
07:42 Ukraine Slams Poland's Crimea ProposalThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized a Polish proposal on the status of Crimea, stating that compromises are unacceptable. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had suggested holding a referendum on the peninsula as part of a potential negotiating solution with Russia. "All efforts should be focused on liberating the peninsula, not on satisfying the Kremlin's appetite at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the Kyiv ministry explained.
06:29 Von der Leyen's Expected Visit to Kyiv - Discussions with ZelenskyyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced discussions with her about winter preparations. "The energy question is a priority issue," he said. The status of the front lines, weapons deliveries, and joint defense projects will also be discussed, as well as Ukraine's path to EU membership and further financial support for the country facing Russian aggression.
05:32 Ukraine Joins NATO Exercise for the First TimeUkraine is participating directly in a NATO exercise led by the Netherlands for the first time. The exercise to test anti-drone systems is ongoing, according to NATO's press service. "More than 60 anti-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cyber-hunters were tested live," the alliance said. Ukraine's participation is part of the NATO-Ukraine action plan for innovation cooperation, adopted at the summit in July.
04:28 Transgender Advocate in Georgia Met with Tragic EndIn Georgia, following the controversial passing of an LGBTQ-related law, transgender advocate Kesaria Abramidze met a tragic fate. As reported by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abramidze, renowned for her work as a model, actress, and influencer, was stabbed repeatedly in her apartment on a Wednesday afternoon. Her boyfriend was apprehended as the primary suspect, charged with murder due to the extreme brutality and the victim's gender. This incident occurred a day after the approval of a "family values" law, which was criticized by the EU and human rights organizations for its restrictive impact on LGBTQ rights, echoing the approach taken by Russia's legislation, banning gender reassignment procedures among other things.
03:25 Lufthansa Pondering Over Frankfurt-Beijing Flights Due to SanctionsLufthansa is grappling with the possibility of discontinuing its daily flight route from Frankfurt to Beijing's capital. A decision is expected in October. The spokesperson attributed this to an "uneven playing field" among European airlines, Chinese, Gulf, and Bosporus airlines, which enjoy benefits such as lower location costs, social standards, and high state investments in aviation. Moreover, these aviation companies can still traverse Russian airspace, which has been off-limits to European and American airlines following the implantation of sanctions against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, necessitating a detour that adds to their fuel expenses.
02:27 Russian Aggression Targets Energy Site in SumyRussian forces launched another series of attacks during the evening, striking a nursing home in the Ukrainian city of Sumy and targeting the city's energy infrastructure. One civilian was reported killed by the Ukrainian authorities, while a UN monitoring body alleged that these power grid attacks infringed upon international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency estimated that Ukraine could face electricity supply deficits amounting to a third of its peak demand during the critical winter months.
01:25 Germany Witnesses Record Refugee PopulationThe refugee population in Germany has surpassed previous highs, with the Foreigners Registration Office reporting a figure of about 3.48 million refugees by mid-2024, a 60,000-person increase compared to the end of 2023. The highest number since the 1950s was cited by the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung," attributing the increase to a governmental response to a parliamentary question from the Left Party in Germany's legislative body. Within this total, around 1.18 million are Ukrainian refugees, reflecting a 45,000-person increase compared to the end of 2023. This figure includes all displaced individuals, from asylum seekers to recognized refugees to those granted temporary residency.
00:22 Lindner: Ukraine Aid Not Justification for Debt Brake Suspension
SPD and Green politicians frequently cite a compromise reached within the coalition concerning the temporary suspension of the debt brake for extensive financial aid to Ukraine as part of the budget disagreement. However, FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner refutes these proposals, stating: "I am unaware of such an agreement. I would not have consented to such a resolution." The Ukraine conflict is deeply regrettable, yet not a state of emergency as defined by Germany's fundamental law. "For Ukraine's benefit, we are actively working on the implementation of a 50 billion-dollar program by G7 nations, in addition to our bilateral aid," Lindner comments.
23:23 Bulgaria Advocates for EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg Imports
Bulgaria will put forth their proposal to ban egg imports from Ukraine at an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting slated for September 23 in Brussels. This was announced by Bulgaria's Minister of Agriculture Georgi Takhov. The proposed ban is symptomatic of ongoing disputes between Ukraine and certain eastern EU states regarding agricultural trade. These disputes have already led to border standoffs at the Polish-Ukrainian border, prohibitions on Ukrainian corn and wheat imports, and farmer protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Dismisses Prospect for Peace Process with Russia
CDU chair Friedrich Merz voices concerns about the ongoing situation in Ukraine and posits: "I do not believe that a peace process is a viable option at present." Russia's intransigence will only yield when military action becomes futile or Kyiv's fall becomes imminent. In the long term, Germany will likely continue to support Ukraine militarily. "I believe that our duty is to defend freedom and peace against Russia, not in collaboration with Russia, for the foreseeable future," Merz emphatically asserts. This realization is a bitter pill to swallow, Merz admits, "Currently, there is no other recourse, at least as long as Putin and his regime remain in power."
You can review earlier developments here.
In light of Russia's warnings against providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, the attack on Ukraine becomes a pressing concern due to its potential threat to Russian borders. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that the nature of the conflict could escalate, carrying serious risks for the world as a whole.
Despite the Russian warnings, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson made it clear that forcing male Ukrainian citizens of military age out of EU countries was not an option.
